Oh, let me tell you about the time I first tried Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo! I was hosting a cozy dinner for some friends, and I needed a recipe that was not only delicious but also had enough “wow” factor to convince my friends that I could indeed cook! Whether it’s the savory aroma wafting through my kitchen or the way the flavors meld perfectly together, this dish brings a smile to my face every time. The name itself? It always sparks a giggle and gets folks curious about the story behind it. Let’s just say, it comes highly recommended for those romantic dinners—but no pressure on that front!
There’s something special about serving a hearty dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy goodness, and the satisfying chew of orzo pasta makes this recipe a winner every single time. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug—perfect for those days when you need a little extra love. Now, let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
What’s in Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?
– Ground Chicken: The star ingredient that keeps things light yet satisfying. I love using ground chicken, but don’t be afraid to swap it out with turkey or even beef if you’re in the mood!
– Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and keep them tender and juicy. I usually opt for plain or Italian-style ones for a flavor boost.
– Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Freshly grated is a treat, but pre-grated works in a pinch!
– Fresh Parsley: A pop of freshness that brightens up the entire dish. Plus, it’s pretty when garnished!
– Garlic: Because what’s a recipe without garlic? It gives the meatballs flavor and aroma that’s simply irresistible.
– Onion Powder: A great shortcut for a subtle sweetness and flavor.
– Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that screams “Italy,” making these meatballs truly special.
– Salt and Pepper: Essential to elevate all those delicious flavors.
– Olive Oil: Perfect for sautéing the meatballs to a delightful golden-brown.
– Orzo Pasta: A beautiful pasta that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the meaty goodness.
– Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base that really brings everything together.
– Diced Tomatoes: These juicy tomatoes add a fresh burst to the dish. I like keeping the juices in for extra flavor!
– Heavy Cream: To enrich the sauce and make it extra creamy. A little indulgence isn’t a bad thing!
– Spinach: A great way to sneak in some greens! It wilts beautifully and adds a lovely color.
– Additional Parsley: For that final flourish of freshness when serving.
Is Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo Good for You?
You might be wondering if this scrumptious dish can fit into your healthy eating habits—well, let’s break it down!
– Ground Chicken: A lean protein source that helps keep you full without the added calories of fattier meats.
– Spinach: This leafy green is a powerhouse loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, not to mention iron and magnesium. So, you can feel good about that green addition!
– Heavy Cream: Okay, it’s a bit indulgent. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you could try using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative—still creamy, just a bit less decadent.
On the flip side, it has its indulgences, particularly with the heavy cream and sodium levels in the broth and tomatoes. If that’s a concern, you can always choose low-sodium versions of broth and watch the salt. Moderation is key, and enjoying this dish as part of a balanced meal is absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup orzo pasta
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup spinach, chopped
– Additional parsley for garnish
This recipe will serve around 4 hungry souls—perfect for a lovely dinner or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it for about 2 minutes until slightly golden.
4. Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
5. Once simmering, return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the mixture is heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo!
Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Meal
To take your Marry Me Chicken Meatball Orzo to the next level, consider serving it with a fresh side salad topped with a zesty vinaigrette. If you’re feeling indulgent, a slice of crusty garlic bread is also heavenly for soaking up all that creamy goodness. And don’t forget the wine! A chilled white or light red pairs nicely with this dish.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. I promise it will bring smiles, laughter, and maybe even a few proposals! Let me know how it turns out and any twists you add—I’m always eager to hear about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!
